Reviews

My Name Is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout

bookcoffeeandfun's review against another edition

reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? No

2.0

annemariewellswriter's review against another edition

4.0

This a book reminiscent of my favorite books by Steinbeck or Hemingway - someone recording the minutia of their life that is not particularly interesting but their writing makes it interesting. I'm always inspired to write like this. Why do I care about this person's life that isn't particularly exciting or traumatizing or extraordinary in any way? I don't know, but Elizabeth Strout makes me care and makes me want to know what happens next even if what happens next is just another conversation between her and her mother. I really enjoyed it.

zoemacgregor12's review against another edition

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

a slow, complete, immersive glimpse into a life completely realised. the expression of undying love and hope was beautiful and at times hurt, for what else are we but beings trying to live? lucy’s relationship with her mother was fascinating and possibly the most heart-breaking, for despite the lilting between past and present little was revealed, meaning we were left to imagine an upbringing of poverty and neglect. i don’t think this was without flaws- perhaps broad strokes oversimplified certain aspects of emotions, and i would have liked more exploration of certain ideas including the fragility of these relationships. but something about that voice captivated me- childlike and yet wise? 

laurasheerin's review against another edition

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

gajeam's review against another edition

A book too personal to rate.

leasummer's review against another edition

3.0

This is an easy read that was just okay but I felt too bad giving it 2 stars so I gave it three. I'm still not totally sure what the story was about - her mother visiting and her life while she was in the hospital, but also her marriage and children and childhood and writing a novel. It's very oddly set up, easy to follow but I find myself wondering why, what was the point. This author may just not be for me as this is the second I've not connected with.

whitmc's review against another edition

5.0

Some books you read for the plot and others you read for the experience of reading and the plot is just something that runs in the background. Lucy Barton is an experience of reading book. The observations, insights, and moments along the way are observant, well-written, and real.

There were moments when I grabbed a notebook and turned back the audio copy to scribble down some quotes that I wanted to stick with me:

"It interests me how we find ways to feel superior to another person, another group of people. It happens everywhere and all the time. Whatever we call it, I think its the lowest part of who we are. This need to find someone else to put down."

and

"Anyone who uses their training to put someone down that way, well, that person is just a big old piece of crap."

neaful's review against another edition

challenging dark inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

sonjaaaa8's review against another edition

emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

lecid's review against another edition

funny lighthearted

5.0